Hello, dear readers! Today I'm going to share with you some amazing facts and stories about Janmashtami, the festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Vishnu. Janmashtami is one of the most popular and joyful festivals in Hinduism, and it is observed with great devotion and enthusiasm all over India and abroad. But do you know what makes this festival so special in Mathura and Vrindavan, the places where Krishna spent his childhood and youth? Let me tell you all about it!
जन्माष्टमी की रात आई,
भक्तों के दिल में बजी ताई।
गोकुल में जो हुआ जन्म,
वही कृष्ण, वही राधा का धम।
मुरली की धुन, गायन की बहार,
आज वृंदावन में है विशेष अवसार।
गोपियों के संग नाचे आंगन में,
रासलीला की वह अद्वितीय चर्चा फिर से।
माखन चोर की बातें सब कहते,
आज उसी के चरणों में सिर झुकाते।
जन्माष्टमी का त्योहार है खास,
भगवान कृष्ण की लीला, उनका प्यार है अद्वितीय विशेष।
आओ मिलकर मनाएं इस पावन अवसर को,
और भगवान कृष्ण से मांगें जीवन के लिए आशीर्वाद अनमोल।
जय श्री कृष्ण! जन्माष्टमी की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएँ!
Janmashtami falls on the eighth day (ashtami) of the dark fortnight of the month of Bhadrapada (August-September), according to the Hindu lunar calendar. This year, it will be celebrated on September 6th and 7th, depending on the region and tradition. The date is calculated based on the exact moment of Krishna's birth, which is believed to have occurred at midnight. That's why devotees keep a fast and a vigil until midnight, when they offer prayers, songs, and dances to the Lord.
The festival is also known as Krishna Janmashtami, Gokulashtami, Krishnasthami, or Srijayanti, and it has different customs and rituals in different parts of India. However, some common elements are the decoration of temples and homes with flowers, leaves, and lights; the preparation and distribution of special sweets and dishes made with milk and curd, such as kheer, peda, laddoo, and makhan mishri; the dressing up of children as Krishna or Radha; and the enactment of scenes from Krishna's life, such as his birth, his childhood pranks, his love for Radha and the gopis (cowherd girls), his killing of demons, and his role in the Mahabharata war.
But nowhere is Janmashtami celebrated with more fervor and grandeur than in Mathura and Vrindavan, the twin cities in Uttar Pradesh that are considered to be Krishna's birthplace and playground. These places are visited by millions of pilgrims every year during this festival, who come to witness the spectacular events that take place here. The celebrations start 10 days before Janmashtami with various cultural and religious programs, such as Rasleelas, Bhajans, Kirtans, and Pravachans.
Rasleelas are dramatic performances that depict the divine love story of Krishna and Radha, as well as his playful interactions with his other gopis. These are performed by professional artists as well as local devotees in various locations throughout Mathura and Vrindavan. The most famous Rasleela is held at Nidhivan, a sacred grove where Krishna is said to have performed his Raas Lila (dance of love) with Radha and the gopis. It is believed that even today, Krishna comes here at night to dance with his beloveds, and no one can enter or see this place after sunset.
Bhajans are devotional songs that praise and glorify Krishna's names, qualities, deeds, and teachings. They are sung by groups of singers accompanied by musical instruments such as harmoniums, tablas, cymbals, flutes, etc. They create a mood of joy, devotion,and ecstasy among the listeners. Kirtans are similar to Bhajans but more interactive and participatory. They involve chanting Krishna's names or mantras in a call-and-response format, with one leader singing a line and the rest repeating it. They also involve clapping hands, dancing feet, and swaying bodies. They create a sense of unity, harmony,and bliss among the participants.
Pravachans are discourses or lectures that explain the meaning and significance of Krishna's life and teachings. They are delivered by learned scholars or saints who have studied the scriptures such as Bhagavad Gita or Srimad Bhagavatam that contain Krishna's words or stories. They enlighten the audience with wisdom,inspiration,and guidance for living a righteous and fulfilling life.
On the eve of Janmashtami,the devotees throng to the temples,especially the Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan and the Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple in Mathura, where he is believed to have been born.The temples are beautifully decorated with enchanting floral arrangements and lighting.A specific ritual known as Abhishek takes place at midnight,the precise moment of Krishna's birth,during which the idol of Krishna is bathed in milk, yogurt,honey,ghee,and water.Conch shells are blownduring the washing process,bells are rung,and Vedic hymns are chanted.The devotees also offerfruits,flowers,clothes,jewelry,and coins to the Lord.They then break their fast by eating the prasada (the food offered to the Lord)and sharing it with others.
Another unique and exciting feature of Janmashtami in Mathura and Vrindavan is the Dahi Handi (curd pot) ceremony. This is a fun-filled event that recreates Krishna's childhood mischief of stealing butter or curd from the pots hung high by his mother Yashoda and the other gopis. In this event, a clay pot filled with curd, butter, or money is hung from a rope or a pole at a height of several meters. Young men form human pyramids to reach and break the pot, while women and children cheer them on. The one who breaks the pot is called Govinda (another name of Krishna) and is rewarded with the contents of the pot or a prize. The event is also a symbol of teamwork, courage, and devotion.
Janmashtami in Mathura and Vrindavan is truly a magical and memorable experience for anyone who loves Krishna and wants to feel his presence and grace. It is a festival that celebrates not only his birth but also his life, his love, his play, his wisdom, and his glory. It is a festival that fills our hearts with joy, gratitude, and devotion. It is a festival that reminds us of our true nature, our divine potential, and our eternal relationship with him.
I hope you enjoyed reading this blog post and learned something new about Janmashtami. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below. And if you ever get a chance to visit Mathura and Vrindavan during this festival, don't miss it! You will surely have an unforgettable time!
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